STICKY: MUSICIAN DIFFERENCE DISCUSSION

pearljammer14

Some really good singers out there cannot read music, but can follow song structure easily, and perform in musical acts,

Some singers have been trained and can read music,

Some guitarists have trained themselves, can come up with there own riffs, but cannot play covers,

And some musicians know the theory,
play from sheets alone but cannot write their own music, or perform with others.

What do you think about this?

Have you come across musicians like this?

Nervous Wreck

Meh. People have different strengths. I can write my own songs but wouldn't have a chance of following sheet music if it was to save my life. No big deal. Though id like to learn.

Also, you do know writing "STICKY" in the thread title doesn't make the thread a sticky, right?

Rigsby

IMO the more knowledge you acquire about all aspects of playing music, the better, as it will make you a better all round musician. It also increases your understanding and enjoyment of music. I often come across the old chestnut.."music theory stifles creativity". Ironically this never comes from people who actually know some theory.

Having said the above, I think it is a case of horses for courses. It is quite possible to get by without knowing theory or how to read music. It is a simple matter of how far you want to go with your playing, and/or what your goals are.

micko4

You can learn the theory and learn to read music you can't learn to have it naturally..I'm a classically trained guitarist,I done my grade 8 when I was 16.but at that stage I wasn't great at picking stuff up by ear..that didn't come for a few yers after..

I have a friend that could play stairway to heaven after 2 hours of picking up a guitar.

I've also thought guitar and some people just can't get it ever and some people straight away
But to answer your question I think once you have a small bit of natural ability...hard work beats both.